Hidden behind an unassuming phone booth, India’s foremost speakeasy, Pass Code Only (PCO), continues to push the boundaries of mixology by focusing on classic pre-prohibition and prohibition cocktails.

Founded by Rakshay and Radhika Dhariwal of Pass Code Hospitality, the PCO team is constantly experimenting with new ingredients, unique glassware, local spices and cutting-edge techniques to evolve their cocktail programme.

To mark 12 years of transforming cocktail culture in India, PCO recently unveiled a bold new identity: PCO 2.0. This new chapter is embodied in an intriguing cocktail menu titled ‘The Forbidden’, which draws inspiration from the prohibited aspect of speakeasies.

The menu spotlights “forbidden ingredients” and each cocktail is crafted with elements that are restricted or taboo in various contexts, whether religiously, culturally, or legally. It features 12 signature cocktails, each crafted from unconventional and often forbidden ingredients such as tobacco, mono-sodium glutamate (MSG) and poppy seeds.

Guests receive this unique menu as a scroll housed in a leather case, an artful presentation designed to mirror Indian miniature-style paintings. Each cocktail is accompanied by rich stories behind its ‘prohibited ingredient’, adding intrigue to every sip.

Not for Check-In: While most fruits can be carried on planes, a surprising exception is the coconut, as it has high amounts of oil, and is highly flammable. ‘Forbidden’ ingredient: Coconut. Other ingredients: gin, strawberry pectin washed, desiccated coconut syrup, super lime juice, kaffir lime distillate.

Flavour notes: Tropical, bold, sweet-sour. ABV: 20%

Bad Reputation: A common misconception is that MSG causes headaches and other discomforts, even though the US Food and Drug Administration recognizes it as safe. As a result, MSG is often avoided despite its savoury umami flavours. ‘Taboo’ ingredient: MSG. Other ingredients: Pistola joven, clear tomato juice, celery distillate, porcini distillate, MSG, citric acid, strawberry hydrosol.

Flavour notes: high-ball style umami cocktail. ABV: 17.14%

Opium Den: Poppy seeds are banned in some countries due to their distant relation to opium. Although poppy seeds themselves contain no opiates, trace amounts of morphine and codeine can sometimes be detected during harvesting. ‘Forbidden’ ingredient: Poppy seed. Other ingredients: gin, raspberry tea, vetiver distillate, pine distillate, black currant, poppy seed, lime and saline.

Flavour notes: refreshing, fruity. ABV: 15.90%

Pass the Dutchie: Despite the increasing legalisation globally, certain plant extracts remain heavily regulated in many countries. ‘Taboo’ ingredient: Hash Oil. Other ingredients: white wine, vodka, jasmine liqueur, orange marmalade, malic acid, hash oil.

Flavour notes: floral, fruity, balance. ABV: 16.25%

Oral Fixation: While remaining one of the most beloved ‘bad-for-you’ substances, tobacco is increasingly subject to heavy regulation as many countries aim to cultivate smoke-free generations. ‘Taboo’ ingredient: Tobacco. Other ingredients: whiskey, almond, amaro, tobacco, paan distillate, coffee, demerara sugar, gentian root.

Flavour notes: Amaro style digestive drink. ABV: 20%

Ignorance is Bliss: Chawanprash, an Ayurvedic remedy composed of 46 herbs, has been banned in certain countries due to trace metals. Nevertheless, in India, it is revered for its reputed healing and strengthening properties. ‘Forbidden’ ingredient: Chawanprash. Other ingredients: Bourbon, Chawanprash, sweet vermouth, coffee, aromatic bitters.

Flavour notes: spirit forward Manhattan style. ABV: 23.3%

Life Before Louis: Despite containing essential amino acids believed to combat allergens, unpasteurised milk is subject to advisories in many countries due to potential bacterial contamination. ‘nTaboo’ ingredient: Raw milk. Other ingredients: rum, cocoa, coke, raw milk, carbonation.

Flavour Notes: chocolate, citrus, effervescent. ABV: 11.40%

A Sticky Mess: In one of his most notable decrees, Lee Kuan Yew banned bubble gum in Singapore due to its tendency to be discarded irresponsibly, causing public nuisance and creating messes in public transport. ‘Forbidden’ ingredient: Bubble gum. Other ingredients: vodka, bubble gum distillate, gravity filtered watermelon, Miso, agave syrup, banana liqueur, clear lime.

Flavour notes: tropical, savoury, balanced. ABV: 13.10%

Crack the Egg: Despite being intended for children, the delightful Kinder Egg chocolates have been banned in some countries due to concerns that the toys inside pose choking hazards for their young target audience. ‘Forbidden’ ingredient: Kinder Egg chocolate. Other ingredients: whiskey, Kinder Egg chocolate, cold brew, banana, Parmesan cheese, nitro-charged.

Flavour notes: coffee, nuttiness. ABV: 14.50%

Eve’s Choice: The forbidden fruit, often symbolised by the red apple from the Garden of Eden, represents the allure that enticed Eve, ultimately leading to the expulsion of both her and Adam from paradise. ‘Forbidden’ ingredient: Agar-washed apple juice. Other ingredients: Tequila, fresh jalapeño, fennel distillate, clear lime juice, agar-washed apple juice, hazelnut, saline.

Flavour notes: sweet-sour, refreshing, fruity. ABV: 14.6%

School Rules: In 2011, the French government banned the use of ketchup in schools as kids were becoming too dependent on it as a flavour, and also to preserve the sanctity of French culture. ‘Forbidden; ingredient: ketchup. Other ingredients: camomile, passion fruit, coconut, ketchup, lime, carbonation.

Flavour notes: tropical, fruity, fizzy. No alcohol.

Forager's Feat: To protect bio-diversity, several European countries have restricted the picking and sorting of the Porcini mushroom, mainly due to their massive demand from the restaurant industry. Who knew that hunting for mushrooms could be lucrative enough to become illegal! ‘Forbidden’ ingredient: Porcini mushroom hydrosol. Other ingredients: Aperol N/A, watermelon, Porcini hydrosol, lime, soda.

Flavour notes: umami, fruity, savoury. No alcohol.